ATA Tennis Tournaments & Ranking Procedures Manual

2012-2013 (Version 2)

American Tennis Association

National Office

9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301

Largo, MD 20774 Phone: 240.487.5953 Visit us at:

www.americantennisassociation.org

1

American Tennis Association Founded 1916

ATA Mission Statement

To promote Black Tennis in America.

ATA Tennis Tournaments & Ranking Procedures Manual

Table of Contents

Table of Contents------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

ATA History/Milestone --------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-4

Key Abbreviations & Titles------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

ATA Sanctioned Tournament Formats/Information--------------------------------------------------6

ATA National Ranking Committee Information------------------------------------------------------7

Tournament Directors Requirements, Procedures, & Responsibilities-----------------------------8

ATA Executive Committee Responsibilities-----------------------------------------------------------8

Sanctioning Process & Eligibility for Clubs &Members --------------------------------------------9

Rules for Play & Point Penalty System Chart--------------------------------------------------------10

National Ranking Committee quarters & timeline---------------------------------------------------11

Welcome to ATA Tournament Tennis & Benefits --------------------------------------------------12

Committee background/Point-Per-Round Regulations----------------------------------------------13

Criteria/Requirements for Standings/Rankings---------------------------------------------------14-15

Requirements/Characteristics for NTRP--------------------------------------------------------------15

Points Table/Chart for Singles & Doubles--------------------------------------------------------16-17

Frequently Asked Questions----------------------------------------------------------------------------18

ATA National Officers, Board of Directors, & Section Delegates -------------------------------19

ATA Geographic Map of Sections/Associations-----------------------------------------------------20

Congratulations/Thank You! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------21

American Tennis Association

National Office

9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301

Largo, MD 20774 Phone: 240.487.5953 Visit us at:

www.americantennisassociation.org

2

American Tennis Association Founded 1916

A brief milestone from "The History of the ATA", by Bertram L. Baker.

The Hon. Bertram L. Baker became the first black person ever elected to political office as

assemblyman in Brooklyn, in 1948. He served for 22 years in the State Assembly and in the 1960s was

Majority Whip of the Assembly. He also served as the American Tennis Association (ATA) Executive

Secretary in 1950.

A Black Tennis Association: Active Since 1916:

The American Tennis Association was organized on November 30, 1916 at a meeting held in the YMCA in Washington, DC. Prior to the organization of the ATA, it had been the custom for players from Baltimore, Washington, New York, Pennsylvania and the New England States to participate in invitational and interstate tournaments. The first of these tournaments was held in 1898 in Philadelphia under the auspices of the Chautauqua Tennis Club. In 1916 the matches were played in New York City, with the Ideal Tennis Club and the Turf Tennis Club acting as host on courts located on West 138th Street. It was at a banquet given that year for the visiting players, at the old "Libya" dining room, that the idea of a National Tennis Association was conceived.

Organization Conceived:

A temporary organization was formed by the Association Tennis Club of Washington, DC and the Monumental Tennis Club of Baltimore, MD with Mr. D.O.W. Holmes as Chairman, and Mr. Ralph V. Cook, Secretary. On November 1, 1916 a letter was sent to all of the Negro Tennis Clubs known to be functioning throughout the United States, inviting them to send representatives to a meeting to be held in Washington, DC on November 30, 1916. It was at this meeting that the plan for a permanent organization was approved. Officers and an executive committee were elected and a committee appointed to draft a constitution. Thus, the American Tennis Association came into being.

Deny Blacks:

In August, 1917, the first National Championship Tournament was held at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, MD, with Monumental Tennis Club acting as host. There were only three events: Men's Singles, won by Tally Holmes; Women's Singles, won by Miss Lucy Slowe; and Men's Doubles, won by Tally Holmes and Sylvester Smith. On August 21, 1926 a certificate of incorporation was executed by Dr. D. Ivison Hoage, Gerald F. Norman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, Laurence C. Darcy, Miss Laura V. Junior, Lester B. Granger, Richard Hudlin and Dr. W.H.A. Barrett. This certificate was filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey on September 1, 1926.

History/milestone continued onto next page

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Prior to 1940, American blacks were denied the opportunity to participate in tournaments sanctioned by the United States Lawn Tennis Association and it was seldom that they were even afforded the opportunity to engage in friendly competition. On July 29, 1940, however, interracial matches were played on the courts of the Cosmopolitan Tennis Club, an affiliate of the ATA, in New York City. Ed Hughes, reporting this event in the “Brooklyn Daily Eagle" said " The color line was erased, at least temporarily, for the first time in the history of major American Tennis yesterday. Don Budge, greatest tennis player in the world, encountered Jimmy McDaniel, Negro National Champion, defeating him, 6-1 and 6-2."

As the Masters Play It:

Al Laney, reporting in the New York Herald Tribune, had this to say: "Donald Budge, the greatest tennis player of the day, performed an important service yesterday for the good of the game that has made him a celebrity and a moderately wealthy man, before one of the most interesting groups that he has encountered in his comparatively long tennis life. Budge played two matches against the Negro National Champions in singles and doubles at the Cosmopolitan Tennis Club on Convent Avenue and there were close to 2,000 there to see for the first time tennis as the masters play it."

"Budge played at something approaching his best game and they marveled that such things could be done with a tennis racket. Jimmy McDaniel, the Negro Champion, also marveled and was beaten quite easily, 6-1 and 6-2, because he was unable on such an occasion to play his best game. But, he was good enough to put an edge on Budge's game, so that those who saw could judge properly of its greatness. Afterward, Budge and Dr. Reginald Weir, former Negro National Champion, played a doubles match against McDaniel and Richard Cohen, the present Negro Doubles Champions."

Racial Barrier Broken:

We broke the United States Lawn Tennis Association's racial barrier in the year 1950. Early that year, Dr. Sylvester B. Smith, President of the ATA, Arthur E. Francis, Assistant Executive Secretary, and Bertram L. Baker, Executive Secretary, held a series of conferences with Dr. S. Ellsworth Davenport, Jr. and Mr. Alrick H. Man, Jr. representing the USLTA. They had in mind the acceptance of qualified Negro players in the USLTA tournaments. These conferences were conducted without publicity or fanfare. We must also mention that Mr. Edward Abbe Niles of the USLTA was sympathetic to our cause and was extremely helpful. Alice Marble contributed her bit by writing a very challenging "Editorial" in the July 1, 1950 issue of "American Lawn Tennis" magazine.

The result of all this is now a matter of history. Althea Gibson's entry was accepted for the National Clay Court Championships, the Eastern Grass Court Championships and the National Championships at Forest Hills. And so, in 1950, for the first time, a Negro American tennis player participated in the National Championship tournament at Wimbledon, England. In 1957, she won the Wimbledon tournament and was proclaimed the world's greatest woman tennis player. That same year, she won the USLTA National Championship at Forest Hills.

History/milestone continued onto next page

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Arthur Ashe:

Arthur Ashe, a product of the Junior Development Committee of the ATA, under the Chairmanship of Dr. R. Walter Johnson, has played in USLTA tournaments ever since he was in the boy's class. He has represented the United States in tournaments all over the world and in 1968 won the Men's Singles National Championship at Forest Hills.

The ATA has no permanent place for holding of its Championship Tournaments. With but few exceptions, these tournaments have been held on the campuses of various black colleges throughout the United States. This policy had the advantage of bringing the organization, its players and program, directly into various sections of the United States and particularly to the education institutions. Many youngsters made the first contact which gave him a different outlook on life and sent him on the way toward getting an education at an ATA tournament. Thus, many men and women who today are making it in the professions, in business and other walks of life can well look back to some helpful word or direct act as a result of contact made through their affiliation with ATA.

Accept the Challenge:

We are now in the second half century of the life of the ATA. America and the rest of the world are faced with new ideas and problems which challenge the best that is in all of us. Alice Marble in the "Editorial" already referred to, wrote: "If the field of sports has got to pave the way for all of civilization, let’s do it."

With men and women of every race who believe in the motto inscribed on the emblems of the ATA - SPORTSMANSHIP - UNITY - GOODWILL, we accept the challenge

The oldest African American Sports organization in the U.S.

The Annual ATA National Championship tournament is perhaps the largest tournament in the U.S. 1,380Tournament entries in 1998!

More than 3,000 families made the ATA National Championships their vacation annually

The National ATA Championships held in Fort Lauderdale Florida in August 1998 produced 1.8 million dollarsfor the economy of that city.

Past ATA Champions include: Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison, Leslie Allen, Rodney Harmon,Katrina Adams, Lori McNeil, and Chanda Rubin to name a few.

The National ATA Championships have been held every year since 1916 with the exception of 1942.

There are approximately 40 other ATA Sectional Tournaments held throughout the United States annually, inlocal clubs and Sections around the USA.

___________________________________________________________________________________

[More on the ATA history & black tennis Pioneers]

To see the powerful history of the “Breaking the Barriers” video please visit:

http://www.arthurashe.org/ .You will listen to a brief intro, then click on tab Sport & Tennis,

then scroll down to Breaking the Barriers, then click on where it says this video.

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Welcome to ATA Tournament Tennis!

Welcome to ATA Tournament Tennis play. The ATA offers many ATA sanctioned tournament events and levels

every year, for players of all ability levels, around our ten Sections in the USA. This document will serve as a reference

throughout the American Tennis Association (ATA) on a local, sectional, and national basis, as will the website

www.americantennisassociation.org. Updated standings are available on the ATA website every quarter. At the end of

the calendar year, final rankings will be updated on the ATA website.

Keys to ATA Tournament Abbreviations & Titles Singles & Doubles events

Key Abbreviations: Juniors & Adults Events:

I - Indoor ATA National Championships (City TBA)

O - Outdoor Boys & Girls 8- 18 singles

H - Hard Surface Boys & Girls 12 -18 doubles

C - Clay Surface Men & Women Open Singles

B - Boys Men & Women Open Doubles

G - Girls Men & Women’s Singles 35-80

M - Men Men & Women’s Doubles 35-80

W - Women Men & Women’s Open Mixed

D - Doubles Men & Women’s Mixed Doubles 35-80

X - Mixed Doubles Men & Women NTRP 3.0 -3.5/Singles

F.I.C - Feed-In Consolation Event Men & Women NTRP 3.0 -3.5/Doubles

Cons. - Consolation Event NTRP Mixed doubles

NTRP - National Tennis Rating Program

NTRP 4.0 and up are offer by local sections, & clubs

See list below for all other ATA sanctioned tournaments

including new events for local clubs and Sections.

SRP - Self Rated Player NTRP 4.0 and up are offer by local Sections,

Association & Member Clubs only.

____________________________________________________________________________________________ There are various types of tournaments that the ATA, Sections, & Local Club offer to members. Juniors and adults can play in

Single/Doubles/Mixed on a Local, Sectional and National level during a calendar year of the ATA tournament schedule.

Be sure to reference the category, not the tournament name, to determine which one you wish to play when registering.

ATA National Championships- (Level 1) most competitive event (offered to juniors and adults in the ATA.)

Sectional Championships- (Level 2) for all levels of players and age divisions 8s-80s (offered to juniors and adults).

Association Championships - (NEW) (Level 3) for competitive players of local clubs & Sections.

State Championships - (NEW) (Level 4) for all levels of players, local clubs & Sections.

Local Tournaments-(Level 5) competitive but consist of smaller draws and earn points.

Club Tournaments- (Level 6) to increase competitive tennis for members of local clubs in a Section & earn points.

Club League Season- (NEW) (Level 7) competitive team tennis between local clubs and Members.

Sectional Jr. Challengers- (NEW) (Level 6) for juniors on intermediate levels & earn points (from ages 8-11).

Round Robin- (NEW) (10 and under)-Encourage local clubs & Sections to host junior 10 & under tournaments.

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ATA Tournament Formats:

1. The ATA Sanctioned Tournaments will use standard singles elimination for all its tournaments unless

otherwise changed by the Tournament Director. Best- of- three sets are encouraged. Consolation events

are strongly recommended, especially when using alternative scoring formats.

2. The ATA challenger level sanctioned tournaments (8-11 years of age) will use round-robin format pro-

set throughout the entire tournament. ( Clubs, local and sectional only)

3. Determining the winner of a round-robin. The player who wins the most matches in the round-robin is

the winner of that draw. If two players are tied, the winner of the head-to- head match is the winner. If

three or more players are tied, the winner is determined by using the first of the following methods that

will successfully break the tie below: ↓ (For Round robin format, please refer to FAQ page in manual).

The win-loss record (head-to-head) in matches involving just the tied players.

The player with the highest percentage of sets won of all sets played (sets won divided by total played).

The player with the highest percentage of games won of all games played (games won divided by total games played).

To the extent that the above methods eliminate players from consideration at any step, the win-loss

records between the remaining players shall be considered before going to the next step.

If at point only two entrants remain tied, then the head-to-head result (if played) between these two entrants determines

the winner. If a tie cannot be broken after all steps are employed, then the Tournament Director should total all tied

players scores and check for least amount of games lost.

Entering the ATA National Championships:

Applications and information for the ATA National Tennis Championships will be sent out to all Members, Clubs,

and Association Presidents. Players are encouraged to register on the ATA website. There will be a deadline 7 business

days before the draw is made and posted onto the ATA website, (americantennisassociation.org). Once the deadline has

passed there will be no more Applications accepted by mail unless post marked. (Strictly enforced) Please note: only

Applications that are paid in full for singles and doubles as a team will be accepted. (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

Please Note: If entering men’s & women’s 70s divisions, a player can only enter two (2) events.

What is the NTRP?

The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a classification system developed in 1978 that identifies and

describes the general characteristics of thirteen levels of tennis-playing ability from beginner to pro-level. Please refer to

NTRP characteristics chart on page 20.

Format for Club Leagues Season Matches:

A Member Club of any Section can host men and women leagues, which will be sanctioned by the ATA. These club

leagues will be set up by their local club and played throughout a season. These leagues will consist of 2 singles and 3

doubles matches. Each team will have a choice of (1) 2 men singles/3 doubles or (2) 2 women singles/3 doubles or (3)

one male singles, one female singles and three mixed doubles on various age or NTRP levels. During the season each

team will receive points based on their wins and losses. At the end of the season each team will receive points for

rankings. Each team will then receive a final ranking on the ranking list in their Section at the end of the calendar year

of the ATA tournament schedule.

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ATA National Ranking Committee information:

There shall be a National Ranking Committee consisting of a chairperson and five (5) additional members.

Juniors/Adults singles and doubles ranking/standing shall be determined and updated by the Ranking

Committee for all divisions.

The Ranking Committee shall also serve as the final review for any protest, as outlined in the Protest

Procedure below, ↓ regarding any player points or ranking disputes.

Changes in the ranking regulations shall be recommended by the ATA National Ranking Committee to the

Board of Directors for approval.

Release of junior/adults singles and doubles final rankings shall be made only after the Ranking Committee

has approved the rankings.

ATA will use the Points- Per- Round standings/rankings program for all age divisions.

The ATA Ranking Committee shall base its Standings/Rankings on performance from all ATA Sanctioned

tournaments for local Sections, clubs and the ATA National Championships during a calendar year.

Other Ranking Committee Responsibilities▼

(1) Calculate and submit Ranking/Standings for posting on ATA website quarterly.

(2) Update and provide printable copy of ATA Tennis Tournaments & Ranking Procedures Manual to ATA National by January 31st annually for dissemination purposes.

(3) Have periodic communication with players to provide updates to the Ranking process.

(4) Create an “Alert System” to inform Tournament Directors of players with bad debt history and/or withhold rankings of such players.

(5) Keep open line of communication with ATA Board liaison to Executive Board.

Protest Procedure:

Any protest concerning ranking must (1) be in writing, (2) state the reason for the protest and (3) include the protesting

player’s entire record for the season. Inquiries regarding a player’s ranking and official ranking protests for all divisions

age 12-18 and adults will be accepted only from the players involved. The protest must be sent to the ATA Ranking

Committee within 10 days of the publication of the tentative ranking lists. The ATA Ranking Committee will review

and consider the case to arrive at a decision. A decision will be mailed to the protesting player(s) within 14 days by the

ATA Ranking Committee stating the reasons for its decision.

Written Complaints of Violations Process:

Very Important to Tournament Directors↓

Written complaints charging that any person has violated the Constitution and the By-laws of the ATA, the rules and

regulations of the ATA and the Association policies and procedures for playing any ATA sanctioned tournament, or the

accepted standards of conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship, shall be submitted to the Tournament Director. If

unable to resolve, then the National Ranking Committee shall have the power to suspend temporarily and/or

reprimand such a person of this organization. Suspension may be for such a period of time as the Ranking Committee

sees fit, in its absolute discretion, to be appropriate. Prior to taking such action the Committee shall not be required to

hold any hearing. Upon reaching a decision, the Chairperson of the Ranking Committee shall promptly notify, in

writing, the person(s) so charged and the ATA office, of the actions to be taken. If the Ranking Committee decides that

a hearing is appropriate it shall use one following procedures.

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1. Upon receipt of such a request, the Chairperson shall promptly schedule a time and place for a hearing and shall

give the person under review not fewer than seven days prior written notice.

2. The person under review shall have the right to appear personally, or by conference call meeting, to present

testimony and evidence and to be cross-examining by the Ranking Committee.

3. The presence of three Ranking Committee Members shall constitute a quorum in order to conduct a hearing or

conference call meeting with the person penalized for violation(s).

Tournament Directors Requirements and Procedures

Tournament Director will serve as the chief executive officer for all ATA sanctioned tournament(s) and directly

responsible for the administrative details of the tournament.

Have proof of insurance certificate at ATA sanctioned tournament site, where tournament is played.

Assures that all players meet the ATA membership requirement and are in good standing.

Enforce all ATA sanctioned tournament rules and regulations, set by the ATA Ranking Committee, including

USTA “Friend at Court” helpful to players and spectators.

Ensure that every player is treated fairly and respectfully under the ATA tournament rules, regulations and its

Bylaws, and the USTA “Friend at Court” rules of tennis for fair play.

Submit draw sheets after each sanctioned tournament(s) to the ATA Ranking Committee chairperson, including

penalties and suspensions point if accrued by a player during a sanctioned tournament.

When hosting ATA sanctioned tournament, tournament director must post draws 3 days prior to start of

tournament.

If draws have to be changed, all affected players are to be contacted with new playing information.

Responsibilities of Tournament Directors▼

(1) Use the most current ATA Rankings/Standings List for seeding in any and all tournaments.

(2) Draws must be sent by electronic mail or the Tournament I.D. # provided within ten (10) days of completion of Sectional tournaments or five (5) days of completion for club or local tournaments to Ranking Committee and Executive Secretary or Executive Director.

(3) Bonus points for out-of-state winners and wins over seeded players must be clearly reported on all draws completion and sent to Ranking Committee Chairperson.

(4) Identify who ATA Members are on draws that have dual sanctioning for rankings.

(5) Request and be familiar with ATA Ranking Points-Per-Round System and Penalties.

(6) Notice: When 3 or 2 players are in a draw, players must be contacted for option of playing round robin, option to move into other division(s) or play a finals match only.

(7) Tournament Directors must post a competitors list 24hours after application deadline, so players can be sure that they are entered into tournament and in the correct division(s) and categories.

(8) Tournament Directors can only make a change as follows: missed a post marked application,

proper seeding not done in draws, or seeded players withdrew from tournament.

ATA Executive Committee Responsibilities▼

(1) Post within one day the Ranking/Standings on ATA National website when provided.

(2) ATA will Supply the Committee with a completed copy of Sanction Applications immediately upon receipt.

(3) Maintain an accurate Schedule of Sanctioned Tournaments on the National website with dates, locations, contact information, etc. Update the Schedule as tournaments are added.

(4) Provide Tournament Directors with downloadable version of ATA Tennis Tournaments & Ranking Procedures Manual on ATA website or a printed version if requested.

(5) Validate Membership status of players as needed by Ranking Committee or Tournament Directors.

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Process for Sanctioning ATA Tournaments:

A Member Club in any Section or state can apply to the American Tennis Association, to host a tournament(s)

sanctioned and registered by the ATA, by downloading and completing the Application at

www.americantennisassociation.org and submitting the appropriate sanction fees per tournament. Each Member

Club/Section that applies must be in good standing by making sure that their Club/Section’s dues are current, registered

with their local Section and the National Office of the ATA with the National Executive Secretary.

ATA Sanctioned Tournament host Eligibility for Section/Club:

A club must be a current member of their Section/ATA, in good standing.

The tournament is open to all ATA members, including Out-of-Section members.

Players must have a current ATA Membership Card, (annual or life members).

A Member Club/Section must agree to the rules and regulations for hosting ATA sanctioned tournament(s). Must abide by all rules and regulations, set forth by the Ranking Committee, including the ATA bylaws/constitution.

Special Event for Juniors Ages ►10 and Under Tennis (TAUT)

ATA Challenger event(s): this tournament is for players around all Sections that are intermediate players to introduce

them to tennis competitiveness from a grass roots level. This will help the ATA to give more encouragement to juniors

ages 10 and under into the game of tennis from diverse and multicultural communities. It will also help the ATA on a

local and Sectional level to have more events to offer for players at this age.

Membership for Adults/Juniors:

Players participating in tournaments sanctioned by the ATA must show proof of membership and be in good

standing. A player may join the ATA at the facility or place of their first tournament where he/she enters. He/she may

apply ahead of time to the National Office or register on line at www.americantennisassociation.org or send Application

to the National office. A membership card will take 2 weeks to arrive from the time it is received at the national office,

or on-line. In cases where a player does not bring his/her membership card, a recent receipt of application or photocopy

of the card is an acceptable form of proof of membership. If these are not available the player must pay a membership

fee. In case of duplicate payments additional year(s) of membership will be added to the current membership.

Age Eligibility/ Playing Up for Juniors:

A junior can play in an age division until the last day of the month before his/her birthday on which he/she would have

to age up. Once a junior age out of his/her age division, he/she will not be qualified to play down and his/her name will

no longer appear on the standing/ranking list for that division. However, juniors are allowed to play up.

Points earned by juniors in the last tournament that he/she aged out will go towards their new standing/ranking in

division aged into.

Note - First time player(s) entering the ATA National must provide proof of date of birth.

Age Eligibility/ Playing down for Adults:

An adult can play in his/her age division until the last day of the month before his/her birthday in which he/she would

have to age out. Adults cannot play above their age division but can play down into another age division. When an adult

ages out, his/her name will no longer appear on the standing/ranking list for that division, unless the player chooses to

continue playing that division. Points earned by an adult in the last tournament that he/she aged out will go towards their

new standing/ranking in next division.

Note - First time player(s) entering the ATA National must provide proof of date of birth.

Notice: When a junior or adult play in an age division or NTRP category in a calendar year, he/she will earn points

towards standing/ranking in that division or category.

10

Bonus Points/Incentives:

Bonus points will be awarded to players in singles/doubles, for having wins against ranked player’s #1- #8, and seeded

players in any ATA sanctioned tournament. A player will receive bonus points for playing Out-of-Section ATA

sanctioned tournaments. Bonus points will be awarded to any player that plays the ATA Nationals, a Sectional

Championship, and any other two (2) ATA sanctioned tournaments around any Section of the ATA.

(See Points Table in manual).

ATA Sanctioned Tournaments are governed by USTA rules for on court play:

See Tennis Rules in the USTA.book/online/Friend at Court Handbook.

Notice: Friend at Court handbook rules will only apply to on court playing at all ATA sanctioned tournaments.

For all penalties, suspensions, unsportsmanlike conduct, and defaults, please see below.

For Points per Round for singles and doubles & bonus points, see point tables on pages 16 & 17.

Suspension points will apply to a player at the time of quarterly updates by the Ranking Committee.

Point Penalty System:

Sportsmanlike conduct is expected of all players at all times. Poor behavior or use of profanities shall be sufficient cause

for default. If any such conduct requires disciplinary action to be taken, a full report shall be made to the ATA

Tournament Committee. The Tournament Director may assign an umpire to a match whether the player request it or

not. The Point Penalty System shall be adhered to in all ATA sanctioned tournaments, whether local, sectional, or

national.

Suspension Points:

1. Suspension points will be recorded against any player(s) for the following:

(Suspension points will affect a player’s Standing/Ranking) ▼

A player will lose points, if he/she has pulled out after draws are made…..300 pts.

Default for a no-show in singles or doubles ………………………………….80pts.

Each point penalty given under the Point Penalty System for time violations for the delay(s)

between points, after warm-up, after changeover or after set-breaks, will be ...5 pts.

Leaving the court during a match without permission of the umpire, referee or Tournament

Director, except to get a linesperson ………………………………………….10 pts.

Entering two tournaments at the same time without written permission from both Tournament

Directors ……………………………………………………………………….60 pts.

Unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct at a tournament site while off the court …100pts.

Default for flagrantly unsportsmanlike conduct at a tournament site, while on or off the court.

2. Unsportsmanlike conduct to a player(s), tournament officials, poor behavior, use of profanities,

unreasonably delaying of a match purposely, and the following is the sequence of penalties for the

above violations: • First offense – Point penalty, • Second offense – Game penalty, • Third offense –

Default. (strictly enforced)

3. All Suspension Points will be given against player(s) at the time of updating Standing/Ranking by

Chairperson.

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ATA NATIONAL RANKING COMMITTEE QUARTERS & TIMELINE FOR STANDINGS/RANKINGS INFORMATION

“ATA Tournament/Rankings Calendar Year” is September 1st to August 31st Annually

QUARTERS (Standing/Rankings are posted two weeks after end of quarter). See below:

(1st Quarter) September 1 – November 31 (3rd Quarter) March 1 – May 31

(2nd Quarter) December 1– February 28/29 (4th Quarter) June 1 – August 31

Timing/Postings Rankings/Standings to be used for

1st Quarter September 1 – November 31st

September 15th ►

(Final ATA Ranking List)

The completed set of the Final Rankings list with all players’ points calculated from all results within the “ATA Calendar Year” will be posted on ATA National website. List includes all quarters of the previous “ATA Calendar Year”. Only points earned at the ATA Nationals Championships will be used to begin a player’s 1st Standing for the next “ATA Calendar Year”.

2nd Quarter December 1 – February 28/29

December 15th ►

(1st set of ATA Standings/Rankings List)

1st set of Standings/Rankings to be used for seeding purposes during the new “ATA Calendar Year” will be posted on ATA National website.

December 31st ►

(Deadline for submitting application)

Deadline for submitting Application to the ATA National office to host ATA Sanctioned Tournament(s).

January 15th ► (All ATA registered sanctioned tournaments calendar list release)

The ATA current calendar year Tournament Schedule is to be posted on ATA National website, with regular updates.

3rd Quarter March 1 – May 31st

March15th ►

(2nd

set of ATA Standings/RankingsList)

2nd set of Standings/Rankings which include all tournaments played between December 1st and February 28/29.

4th Quarter June 1st – August 31st

June 15th ► (3rd set of ATA Standings/Rankings List)

3rd set of Standings/Rankings which include all tournaments played between March 1st and May 31st. These standings will be used for seeding in ATA National Championships.

Note: If a Sanctioned Tournament is scheduled between posted Standings/Rankings, tournament

director must use most current posted list.

12

American Tennis Association Founded 1916

Welcome to ATA Tournament Tennis

ATA Points-Per-Round Ranking System (Juniors and Adults)

Standing/Ranking System

Points Per-Round Ranking System

Purpose: To ensure that every member that holds an ATA Membership and play tournaments, receives a ranking.

To encourage more match play between all ATA Sections and Associations.

To establish fair play & values for accomplishments in tournaments (local clubs, sectional & national level).

To promote a rewards-based system for junior and adult members.

To earn points for every round played, including bonus points.

To give ATA Sections encouragement to host more tournaments (juniors & adults).

To make it easy to follow the progress of player’s points, wins & losses.

To enable players to calculate their own individual standing on-line.

To create a pathway for competitive juniors/adults tennis with other players.

To create more encouragement for all adult members to play more tournaments.

To help Sections and Associations develop new levels of tournaments.

To develop team competition between local clubs and Sections.

Note: Points will be awarded to all ATA members that play a match

Developed/Prepared by: ATA National Ranking Committee

ATA National Ranking Committee Members: Nigel Griffith/Chair/Boston, MA; Margaret Dorsey/ Chicago, IL;

Alex Lee/ Wichita, KS; Serge Abellard/St. Louis, MO;

Gene Thompson Coach/Virginia State University;

Cheryl Sloan /Maryland, MD.

American Tennis Association

National Office

9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301

Largo, MD 20774

Phone: 240.487.5953

www.americantennisassociation.org

13

American Tennis Association Founded 1916

Background:

In the past the ATA used a conventional system in the past to rank players. In 2011 the ATA introduced a new points-per-round

ranking/standing system to promote more competitive tennis amongst ATA members throughout the American Tennis Association.

This system includes earning bonus points for playing out of state ATA sanctioned tournaments and having wins against players

that are ranked in the top ten or seeded at any ATA sanctioned tournament.

In 2011, a Ranking Committee was formed with members and players from several Sections of the ATA. These members play a

vital role in their Section in helping to promote the sport of tennis.

These Committee Members will help to continue enhancing the ranking and points system on an annual basis.

(Please note: regulations are subject to change by National Ranking Committee only)

Points-Per-Round Regulations:

(1) All matches played in the main and consolation draws will

be awarded points to all players. Main draws, consolation and

NTRP draws points are a fixed number; the round a player

reaches determines the points awarded. Points are not

cumulative. A player must play a round in any tournament to

receive points. Please refer to the Points Table.

(8) Juniors may play in their age division until the month in

which they age out of that division. Only matches played in a

particular division will count towards that age division. Adult

players moving up from one division to another per age can

carry last points earned from previous tournaments they

played.

(2) A player who advances because of a withdrawal, walkover,

default or retirement shall receive points for advancing.

Byes do not qualify as a win, and a player who advances when

a bye occurs, must play the next round to receive points.

(9) Bonus points will be awarded to players who have wins

over seeded players 1-8 in Ranking/Standing. Please refer to

the Points Table for bonus points. Bonus points will be also

be awarded to players who play Out-of-Section tournaments.

(3) A player who is defaulted from any sanctioned tournament

by the ATA for code violations under the Point Penalty System

will forfeit all points earned during the tournament.

(10) All Standing/Ranking will be based on all sanctioned

ATA tournaments played at local club, Section, and the

Nationals, per the ATA Calendar Year.

(4) Each age division, including NTRP, will have one current

ranking/standing list for that division. A player must be a

member of the ATA in order to be eligible for Sectional and

National standing/ranking points.

(11) Players are ranked individually for doubles

Standing/Ranking, not as teams, and may earn ranking points

in doubles by playing with different partners at different

tournaments local, Sectional, and National.

(5) All matches played in a particular age division will count

towards a player’s standing in that age division. Same format

applies for NTRP.

(12) Year-end doubles ranking lists are published for each

age division, including NTRP, using tournament results per

the ATA Calendar Year.

(6) All eligible players who have played at least one (1) match

in any ATA sanctioned tournament will have a

ranking/standing. Same format applies for NTRP.

(13) Seeding at ATA Sanctioned tournaments will be based

on the most current Ranking/Standing list available. The 1st

place winner will be seeded #1 the next year for National

Tournament adult division only.

(7) An end of the year ranking list will be published for all

players who have played in a minimum of two (2) tournaments

or more within the ATA Calendar Year. Only the points

accumulated from the ATA National Championship

tournament, will be used to begin a player’s 1st standing in the

new calendar year’s standings.

(14) Points-Per-Round ranking system is designed to

encourage more play, and is not the definition of the quality

of any player. The logic is simple, every game played counts

towards a player's ranking. This means that credit is given for

every game won. Players with the same points might have

different rankings due to number of games won in the round

they were eliminated.

14

ATA Member Criteria for Standing/Ranking:

A standing/ranking is not intended to discourage but to encourage more participation. A standing/ranking reflects a

player’s record of play in all sanctioned tournaments of the same age division, relative to the records of other players

during that tournament season. All Singles/Doubles results played throughout the calendar year from September 1st

through August 31st will go towards a player’s finial ranking at the end of the tournament season.

A player’s total number of wins and losses throughout a tournament season will determine that player’s position in the

ranking/standing order.

Every round played at an ATA sanctioned tournament, local, sectional and the national will earn points and will count

towards points for standing/ranking.

ATA Requirements for Standing/Ranking:

The more tournaments played, the more rounds reached, at any local/club, sectional and national tournament, the more

points he/she will earn towards standing/ranking. The higher and more consistent the quality of wins, the more points

he/she will get towards standing/ranking. Having wins over seeded players in any tournament will give him/her more

points, which will put him/her higher in the standing/ranking.

All Tournament Directors of a Sections/clubs are asked to send all tournament results from any tournament within five

(5) business days with complete results of their tournament, to the ATA National Secretary and the Ranking Committee

Chairperson via hard copy or email. The ATA will gather results from all sanctioned tournaments that are played at

local clubs, Round-robins, and the National Championships, in order to keep all standing/rankings up to date quarterly.

Therefore, if factual data is lacking or incorrect, standings/rankings as determined by the information received from

Sections, recognizing the possibility of human error(s), players may submit corrections to their player record if the

player feels that data has been overlooked or incorrect, by sending an email to the Ranking Chairperson.

If there are any changes in procedure, it will be communicated to that player(s) including the ATA website.

ATA Sectional & Tournament Results:

All Tournament Directors who are hosting ATA sanctioned tournaments in their Section, local clubs, or Associations

for juniors, adults, and NTRP in singles and doubles must send all completed draw sheets to the ATA National Office via email or mailed to the address below.↓

All draws sheets must be sent 5 business days from the conclusion of all local and sectional tournaments.

If player plays an ATA sanctioned tournament out of their Section and their information is not accurate, he/she should

send all current results, comments, and suggestions to the Ranking Committee Chairperson: 9701 Apollo Drive, Largo, MD 20774, or email ngriffith@americantennisassociation.org. Ranking will be updated quarterly, please visit

our website @ www.americantennisassociation.org

Contact information ▼

Ranking/Sanction Chairperson

Nigel Griffith

American Tennis Association9701 Apollo DriveLargo, MD 20774Email:ngriffith@americantennisassociation.org

Phone: 617-270-3327

15

ATA Requirements for Singles/Doubles/NTRP Standing/Ranking:

Singles: There will be a standing/ranking list that will be produced quarterly during a calendar year of the tournament

schedule, from results received from Tournament Directors to the Ranking Committee. All lists will be posted on the ATA

website. Note: Standing means your position in the ranking is temporary, based on quarterly results. Ranking means your

final position in the rankings at the end of the ATA’s calendar year.

All tournaments listed on the Points-Per-Round Ranking System Table will count towards sectional and national ranking.

A player’s name will appear on a standings/rankings list if he/or she has participated in at least 1 tournaments in age

division(s) played at any ATA sanctioned tournament, sectional/national within a calendar year.

Note: One (1) tournament played, will establish a player’s name into the standings/rankings list. A player must play more

tournaments to earn more points in order to move up in the standings/rankings in a calendar year. Players, who meet these

requirements, in both the junior and adult singles/doubles, will appear on both lists.

Doubles: There will be one final ranking list at the end of the ATA Calendar Year for doubles for juniors and adults

nationally. There will be a standing list that will be updated on the ATA website once results are sent in to the Ranking

Committee quarterly, after tournaments are held throughout all Sections/Associations. All juniors and adults must play at

least three tournaments with the same partner to receive a year-end national doubles ranking.

Match Results: All matches in an ATA sanctioned event within any given age division, including consolation events, will

earn points towards their standing/rankings. Non-sanctioned events will not be considered in determining these

standings/rankings in any division (junior or adults).

Out-of-Section Matches: A player is encouraged to play Out-of-Section ATA sanctioned tournaments that will count

towards their standings/rankings. Such results must be submitted in writing to the National Office and the Ranking

Committee by either the player or the Tournament Director when sending completed tournament results.

Special Events: All special events must be sanctioned by the ATA, which will be the ATA challenger player events. Only

players ages 8-10 will be permitted to participate in these special events, in order to introduce the competitive level of junior

tennis from a grass roots level. All sections, clubs, and associations are encouraged to host this new event. These events will

have the options of the 10 and Under Round-Robin format or 8 games pro sets with no-ad scoring based on the Tournament

Director’s decision. (See ATA tournament Levels chart on Page 5)

General Characteristics/Requirement Chart for entering NTRP Tournament/event: A player who wants to play any NTRP tournament(s) in a local club or Section event(s) and does not have a NTRP rating

shall declare their self-rate upon registration for that tournament. The player will self-rate according to the General

Characteristics for NTRP 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 listed below, in order to enter any tournament that includes ATA Sanctioned

NTRP event(s). NTRP 4.0 and up events are offer by local sections, Associations & ATA Member clubs only.

3.0► This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shot, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lack

execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power.

3.5► This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks

depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage.

4.0► This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand on

moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success.

4.5► This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is starting to handle pace, has sound footwork, can

control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary a game plan according to their opponents, this player can hit

1stserve with power and accuracy, and place a 2

nd serve. This player tends to over hit on difficult shots.

Please note: if a player wins 3 tournaments in any NTRP events 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, or 4.5,

he/she must play up in the next NTRP level or there age division. (Strictly Enforced)

16

ATA Points-Per-Round Ranking System Table

For Juniors/Adults Singles

BONUS POINTS for Singles- Bonus points will be awarded to players who have wins over ranked players’ #1- 8 in the standings. Playing out-of-Section ATA Sanctioned tournaments with wins over seeds in a tournament. The bonus points are as follows: Wins over #1 or #2- 100 points Wins

over #3 or #4- 50 points Wins over #5- #8- 25 points, Out-of-Section bonus 100 points, 150 bonus points will be given to a player who plays the ATA

National, Sectional, and any 2 other Sanctioned tournament of the ATA for a total of 4 tournaments within a calendar year for 150 bonus points.

Please note: the symbols below for reference in point table:

* Points for consolations Rounds at Sectionals/Association/ States Championships will be determined if played.

- No points will be rewarded for these places, these matches will not exist.

Draw Rounds ► _______________________

Event Type

Sanctioned by ATA

▼ Win

ner

Fin

als

3rd

Pla

ce

Sem

ifin

als

Qu

arte

rfin

als

Roun

d o

f 16

Roun

d o

f 32

Roun

d 0

f 64

Roun

d o

f 12

8

Con

sols

-Win

ner

Con

sols

- F

inal

s

Con

sols

- S

emif

inal

s

Con

sols

9-

12

th p

lace

Con

sols

- 13

16

th p

lace

Con

sols

- 17

- 24

th p

lace

ATA National Championships

(ATA Sanctioned)- Level 1

()

3000 2000 1250 1000 800 600 125 100 75 200 150 100 75 50 25

Sectional Championships

(ATA Sanction)- Level 2 ()

2500 1500 1000 800 600 450 100 75 50 25 * * * * *

Association Championships (ATA Sanction)- Level 3 2000 1200 800 600 400 300 75 50 25

* * * * * *

State level Championships (ATA Sanction) - Level 4 1500 1000 600 400 300 200 50 25 _

* * * * * * Local Tournament- Level 5

(ATA Sanction) 1200 800 400 300 150 130 25 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Club Tournament- Level 6 (ATA Sanction) 1000 600 300 200 100 75 20 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Club Leagues Season- Level 7

(ATA Sanction)(by sections) 800 400 250 150 75 50 15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Local/ Section Tournament

(ATA Sanction)

Women’s NTRP 3-5 & up

600 300 150 100 50 40 30 20 10 _ _ _ _ _ _

Local/Section Tournament

(ATA Sanction) Men’s NTRP 3.0 -4.5

600 300 150 100 50 40 30 20 10 _ _ _ _ _ _

Sectional Jr. Challenger.

(ATA Sanction)- Level 6

Junior Ages 10s -18s

1000 800 600 400 300 200 100 50 25 _ _ _ _ _ _

Quick Start Round Robins

(ATA/USTA )

Boys & Girls 10 & under

All Quick Start matches will not receive points or ranking

for a National ranking

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

17

ATA Points-Per-Round Ranking System Table

For Juniors/Adults Doubles/Mixed Doubles

TABLE FOR DOUBLES/MIXED RANKING POINTS Event Type► ATA Nat.

Champ

Sectional

Champ.

Association

Champ.

State

Champ.

Local

Tourna.

Club/Lea.

& Tourna.

NTRP

Adult Juniors

B/G

Age Divisions

Jrs/Adults► 10s -80’s 10s -80’s 10s -80’s 10s -80’s 8s -80’s 8s -80’s 12s -80’s 8s -80’s

Draw Rounds ▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼ Points▼

Champions 3000 2500 2000 1500 1200 1000 600 3000

Finalist 2000 1500 1200 1000 800 600 300 2000

3rd

Place1250 1000 800 600 400 300 150 1250

Semi-Finalist 1000 800 600 400 300 200 100 1000

Quarterfinalist 800 600 400 300 150 100 50 800

Round of 16 600 450 300 200 130 75 40 600

Round of 32125 100 75 50 25 * *

125

Round of 64 100 75 50 25 * * *

100

Consolation-Winner 75 50 25

* * * * 75

Consolation-

Semifinalists 50 25

_ _ _ _ _ 50

Consolation -9-12th

25 * _ _ _ _ _

25

Consolation- 17-24th

* * * * * * * *

BONUS POINTS for Doubles/Mixed- Bonus points will be awarded to doubles teams/Mixed doubles who have wins over ranked Teams’ #1- 8 in the

standings. If playing out-of-section ATA Sanctioned doubles/mixed tournaments, bonus points will be awarded as follows: Wins over #1 or #2- 120 points. Wins over #3 or #4- 75 points, Wins over #5- #8- 50 points, Out-of-Section bonus 100 points,

Please note: the symbols below for reference in point table:

* Points for consolations Rounds at National Championships for Doubles/Mixed will be determined if Cons round are played.

- No points will be rewarded for these places, these matches will not exist.

18

Points-Per-Round Ranking/Standing System

Frequently Asked Questions▼

Q. What is the Points Per-Round Ranking System? A. The Points Per-Round Ranking System is used to

give players match play, accomplishments, rewards

progress of their game, accumulate points for standings,

and most importantly to create a pathway for

competitive junior tennis across all states and Sections

of the ATA.

Q. Will there be a head-to-head competition? A. Because certain events are worth more points, top

players will go to these events, thereby creating head-to-

head competition amongst the top players. Players will

also be encouraged to compete to earn bonus points for

winning against players who are ranked 1-8 in the

standing/ranking. Q. Are standings generated from Points-Per-Round

credible? A. Yes, Players are ranked on their merit from the

Points-Per-Round Table. The round a player reaches

determines how many points he/she receives. Any

sanctioned tournaments that are played in a Section and

the National by a member in good standing, will be the

total calculated and determine a player’s standing in a

calendar year. Who a player have wins against is not

criteria in the system, but if a player has wins over a

seeded or ranked player they will earn bonus points.

Q. Do I have to play all Section sanctioned

tournaments to get a ranking/standing? A. No, a player does not have to play all Sections

tournaments to get a ranking/standing. Once he/she

plays a match in any sanctioned tournament, he/she will

be placed in the ranking/standing once results are sent

from all Sections and local clubs hosting tournaments.

Ranking will be updated on a monthly basis on the

number of tournaments played within the calendar year

schedule by a player.

Q. Why don’t I get more points in the consolations? A. The system gives greater rewards to player’s success

in the main draw(s).

Q. Why are there dashes in some of the columns in

the Ranking System Point Table? A. The dashes mean that no points will be rewarded,

because those matches will not exist.

Q. What happens with smaller draws?

A. No matter the size of the draw, 0 points are earned

for losing a round; thereafter the points earned are based

on the round reached according to the points table.

Q. What does the star * mean? A. The star * means that the rounds will only be

determined for points by Tournament Director hosting

sanctioned ATA tournament(s) in their Section and

local Clubs.

Q. What age division should I play? A. A player should compete in his/her regular age

division or can play in any event that states open.

If playing in the NTRP 3.0 – 4.5 categories, after he/she

wins 3 NTRP events in NTRP, they must play up into

the next NTRP level. If a player has 3 wins in NTRP

4.5, that player must play in their regular age division.

Q. What is 10 and Under Tennis (TAUT)? A. 10 and Under Tennis is a new format to help children

10 and under learn and play the game of tennis. To

make it easier for them, a few things have changed. The

court size, the racquet sizes, the balls, the scoring

system, and the size/height of the net.

Q. What is a round robin draw? A. When all players that enter a tournament are put into

flight(s), known as a draw, where each player in each

flight/draw will play each other at least 2-3 rounds

depending on number of entries.

Q. What does ATA Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4

Tournaments means?

A. Each level tournament means, a Section can host a level 2,

3 and 4 at least one time in a calendar year. Only the ATA

can host a level 1. Each of these levels will earn a player the

most points in a calendar year for Ranking/Standing.

Level 1► ATA National Tennis Championships/National only

Level 2► Sectional Championships/ hosted by Sections only

Level 3► Association Championships/ hosted by Sections only

Level 4► State Championships/ hosted by Sections only

Level 5, 6 & 7 can be host by ATA Member club, Direct Member

club, a Section or an Association.

19

American Tennis Association National Board of Directors

(ATA National Board Officers)

Dr. Franklyn Scott ---------------------------------------President-Email: fscott@americantennisassociation.org

Willie Emerson ---------------------------1st Vice President- Email: wemerson@americantennisassociation.org Milton A. Myers ---------------------------2nd Vice President-Email: mmyers@americantennisassociation.org Tyrone Crowder ------------------------------------------Treasurer-Email tcrowder@americantennisassociation.orgGail J. Lewis --------------------------------------------------Secretary-Email: glewis@americantennisassociation.org Sallie Elam -----------------------------------Executive Secretary-Email: selam@americantennisassociation.org

Albert A. Tucker/Executive Director -------------------------------Email: atucker@americantennisassociation.org

(ATA National Board Members/Sections contact information/Section Delegates)

Qwaliff Jackson/President -------------New England Tennis Association-Email: aaronselph@aol.com

Esu Ma’at/Section President -----------------------New York Tennis Association-Email: esumaat1@yahoo.com

Renee Ralph Section President -----------------------New Jersey Tennis Association-Email: Rlph1444@aol.com

Michelle Avery/Section Delegate ------------------Tri States Tennis Association-Email: mravery01@aol.com

Cheryl Sloan/Section President -------------------Mid-Eastern Tennis Association-Email: csloan5@verizon.net

Alice Lee/Section Delegate---------------------------Mid-Eastern Tennis Association-Email: louiseapl@aol.com Marion Harris/Section Delegate --------Mid-Eastern Tennis Association-Email: marion.harris1@verizon.net

Shirley Roach/Section Delegate ------------Midwestern Tennis Association- Email: shirroach@sbcglobal.net

Ed Amos/Section Delegate ---------------------Midwestern Tennis Association-Email: ea3527@sbcglobal.net

Bob Davis/Section Delegate ------------------------------At Large Member-Email: rdavis48@tampabay.rr.com

(American Tennis Association National Office & Committees Contact Information)

▼

American Tennis Association

National Office

9701 Apollo Drive

Largo, MD 20774

Office Phone: 240-487-5953 Email:info@americantennisassociation.org

American Tennis Association

C/O Ranking Committee

Nigel Griffith/Chair

Willie Emerson/Committee Liaison to the board

Phone: 617-270-3327

Email: ngriffith@americantennisassociation.org

American Tennis Association

C/O National Membership Committee

Marion Harris/Chair

Phone:

Email: mharris@americantennisassociation.org

American Tennis Association Constitution/Bylaws Committee

American Tennis Association website: www.americantennisassociation.org

20

ATA Sections/Associations Geograhic Map

Where ATA Sanctioned Tournaments are available

Sections and Associations of the American Tennis Association

Southern -----------------------------------STA New England -------------------------NETA

Mid-Western ----------------------MID-TAC New York -----------------------------NYTA

Western ----------------------------------WTA New Jersey ----------------------------NJTA

South Western -------------------------SWTA Tri State -------------------------------TSTA

Caribbean---------------------------------CTA Mid-Eastern --------------------------META

The following States that make up each Section/Association are as follows:

New York – NYTA ► by itself

New Jersey – NJTA ► by itself

Tri State – TSTA► States: PA, DE.

Mid-Eastern – META► States: DC, MD, VA, and WV.

South Western – SWTA ► States: NB, NM, OK, and TX.

New England –NETA ► States: VT, CT, RI, MA, NH, and ME.

Southern – STA ► States: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TN.

Mid-Western – MIDTAC► States: IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, and WI.

Western – WTA ► States: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY.

Caribbean – CTA ► Islands: St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and the entire Caribbean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-----------------------

For all information on upcoming tournaments and events in any local Section/Association, please visit the ATA website

for the Section/Association contact information. If you would like to join the American Tennis Association (ATA),

please visit the ATA website at www.americantennisassociation.org in order to obtain a membership, or you can inquire

with your local Section/Association about a membership. To be a part of a local club in your area, contact your local

Section/Association President or a Board Member representative.

21

American Tennis Association Founded 1916

Dear ATA Section, Association, Member, and Member Club:

Congratulations!!!

We hope this ATA Tennis Tournament & Ranking Procedures Manual will help serve as a guide to you in

knowing all the benefits that the American Tennis Association (ATA) has to offer to you as a Section,

Association, Members, and Member Clubs, by remembering the mission of the ATA is: To promote Black

Tennis in America.

We look forward for your continued support to the ATA.